26PSX0074A_Oct_13_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

Solicitation Number: 26PSX0074A

Energy and Telecommunications/Broadband Consulting

Services

Request for Proposal (RFP)

State of CT - DAS Procurement

July 21, 2026 - August 19, 2026

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General Header Information

26PSX0074A

No. 26PSX0074A Title: Energy and Telecommunications/Broadband Consulting Services Start Date: July 21, 2026 at 7:00:00 AM EDT End Date: August 19, 2026 at 2:00:00 PM EDT Vendor Q&A Start Date: July 21, 2026 at 7:15:00 AM EDT Vendor Q&A End Date: July 30, 2026 at 2:00:00 PM EDT Estimated Total Value:

Who can respond to this bid? : All Vendors Description: This RFP is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide professional energy, telecommunications, and broadband consulting services to assist the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in coordination with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), in supporting the programs, policy development, market analyses, and regulatory activities of DEEP’s Bureau of Energy and Technology. Services shall include advisory, analytical, and policy-based consulting on an as-needed basis. These services are intended to support DEEP’s participation in regulatory proceedings and strategic initiatives. Engineering or architectural design, construction, legal services, and implementation activities are not included under any resultant Contract. All questions must be submitted in CTSource no later than Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Answers will be provided by Tuesday, August 4, 2026 COB.

Delivery Terms: Free On Board Destination Payment Terms: Net 45 Days Contact Information: State of CT - DAS Procurement

Kristin Allen 450 Columbus Blvd Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: 959-206-8335 kristin.m.allen@ct.gov

Contact Details: If you have any questions, please contact:

Kristin Allen 450 Columbus Blvd Hartford CT, 06103 United States Tel: 959-206-8335 kristin.m.allen@ct.gov

Selected Categories:

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Header Custom Fields:

26PSX0074A

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

Instructions Instructions IMPORTANT: The following electronic signature requires supplier agreement in order to respond to a solicitation. The individual submitting this electronic signature must be authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the company and must be listed as such in the company's corporate resolution/vendor authorization documents. Please keep in mind that the person listed as "authorized" must be the same person submitting their electronic signature when completing their company's submittal.

ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN SOLICITATIONS ON

BEHALF OF THE COMPANY:

I am duly authorized to sign documents on behalf of this company.

By selecting “I Agree” in the drop down box below, I confirm and understand that an electronic signature is taking place and I intend to be bound by and authenticate this electronic record, and attest to the statements contained within. I hereby certify that all information supplied is true to the best of my knowledge and belief, subject to the penalties of false statement.

I agree,I disagree

The respondent hereby certifies under penalty of false statement that all the information supplied is complete and true.

I agree,I disagree

SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS

Solicitation Response Submissions All solicitation response documents must be in accordance with State of Connecticut Digital

Accessibility Policy and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Please refer to state guidance Vendor Corner: Accessibility requirements for doing business with the State of

Connecticut to ensure documents meet requirements prior to response submission.

Solicitation Response End Date All Solicitation responses must be made in accordance with the end date and time listed in the

Solicitation. Please allow sufficient time to upload your Solicitation response as responses not fully uploaded by the end date and time will not be considered. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation message that will display that the response was submitted.

Requirements Tab https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sitecore-center/accessibility/it-accessibility-policy-final-for-release-07142025.pdf https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sitecore-center/accessibility/it-accessibility-policy-final-for-release-07142025.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2FTR%2FWCAG21%2F&data=05%7C02%7CGeri-Lynne.Gagne%40ct.gov%7Cb7e7ad62a0b94c3790e708dea495e73f%7C118b7cfaa3dd48b9b02631ff69bb738b%7C0%7C0%7C639129160890185408%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gtVKyyj9HyBGk86J0D20dAhd%2BkfPVBGVXFCUYu5tVnc%3D&reserved=0 https://portal.ct.gov/accessibility/vendors-corner?language=en_US https://portal.ct.gov/accessibility/vendors-corner?language=en_US

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Suppliers must click on the “Requirements” tab to access notifications and specific Solicitation requirements that affect Supplier's responses. Please refer to the CTsource system “Help” functionality or training documents on the State Contracting Portal titled "How to Respond to

Solicitations" for additional guidance.

Award Requirements Prior to the award of a contract, Suppliers will be required to update specific information in the

Supplier’s CTsource account. Please refer to the "Additional Required Attributes and Attachment" section of the CTsource "Supplier Registration Portal User Guide" for additional guidance.

https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTSource/CTSource https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/CTSource/Documents/CTsource-Supplier-Registration-Portal-User-Guide-Final.pdf

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Solicitation Requirements:

26PSX0074A

SOLICITATION OVERVIEW

Background The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), through its Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, is responsible for advancing the State’s energy, telecommunications, and broadband policy objectives. These responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of energy programs, evaluating emerging technologies and market trends, conducting economic and policy analyses, participating in regulatory and legislative proceedings, and providing technical expertise to inform state decision-making.

To support these efforts, DEEP seeks to establish a new Contract with qualified consulting firms that can provide specialized advisory, analytical, and subject matter expertise on an as-needed basis. The Contract will create a pool of prequalified consultants capable of assisting DEEP and other Cleint Agencies with a broad range of energy and telecommunications/broadband-related initiatives, studies, and strategic projects as agency needs arise. This contract is intended to provide flexible access to professional consulting services that supplement internal resources and support the State's evolving energy and technology priorities.

SOLICITATION OBJECTIVES

Description of Objectives The objective of this solicitation is to establish a Contract with multiple qualified consulting firms to provide energy and telecommunications/broadband consulting services on an as-needed basis.

Services may include policy analysis, market and economic assessments, regulatory and legislative support, program evaluation, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and technical advisory services. The resulting Contract will provide the Client Agency with timely access to specialized expertise to support energy and technology initiatives, informed decision-making, and the advancement of Connecticut’s energy and broadband objectives.

SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS

Questions and Communication

1. Questions for the purpose of clarifying this Solicitation must be received no later than Thursday, July 30, 2026 by 2:00 PM and must submitted via the CTSource portal.

2. Answers to questions received by the due date and time will be posted as an Addendum on August 4, 2026 COB.

3. During the period from your organization’s receipt of this Solicitation, and until a contract is awarded, your organization shall not contact any employee of the State of Connecticut concerning this procurement except in writing directed to Kristin Allen , via email kristin.m.allen@ct.gov

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SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

Mandatory Extension to State entities Contractor shall offer and extend the Contract (including pricing, terms and conditions) to political sub-divisions of the State (towns and municipalities), schools, and not-for-profit organizations

Brand Name Specifications or References The use of the name of a manufacturer or of any particular make, model or brand in describing an item does not restrict respondents to that manufacturer or specific article unless limited by the term "no substitute".

However, the article being offered must be of such character and quality so that it will serve the purpose for which it is to be used equally as well as that specified, and the respondent shall warrant to the State that it is fit for that purpose. Solicitation responses on comparable items must clearly state the exact article being offered including any and all applicable options and the respondent shall furnish such other information concerning the article being offered as will be helpful in evaluating its acceptability for the purpose intended.

If the respondent does not indicate that the article offered is other than as specified, it will be understood that the respondent is offering the article exactly as specified. Respondents must submit complete documentation on the specifications and quality levels of the products. Solicitation responses submitted that do not contain this documentation are subject to rejection.

Quantities and/or Usage Quantities and/or Usages Any quantities set forth in this Solicitation are estimated quantities and/or usages only and in no way represent a commitment and/or intent to purchase any particular amount. Actual quantities may vary and will be identified on individual purchase orders issued by the requesting entity

Security and/or Property Entrance Policies and Procedures Contractor shall adhere to established security and/or property entrance policies and procedures for each requesting Client Agency. It is the responsibility of each Contractor to understand and adhere to those policies and procedures prior to any attempt to enter any Client Agency premises for the purpose of carrying out the scope of work described in this Contract.

Standard Wages Contractors shall comply with all provisions of Connecticut General Statues 31-57f, Standard Wage Rates for Certain Service Workers and shall pay wages in accordance with the current wage rates provided by the

Department of Labor. Information regarding this Statute and how and when it applies can be obtained from

DOL’s web site at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/standardwage.htm . Questions concerning the provisions and implementation of this act should be referred to the Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division, 200 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, CT 06109-1114 (860) 263-6790 or his designated representative. A link to the Standard Wages can be reached at:

http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/prevailing-rates/service/rates-service.htm

Prevailing Wages

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Some or all of the Performance may be subject to prevailing wages. Accordingly, the following provision is included in accordance with the requirements of Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 31-53(a):

The wages paid on an hourly basis to any person performing the work of any mechanic, laborer or worker on the work herein contracted to be done and the amount of payment or contribution paid or payable on behalf of each such person to any employee welfare fund, as defined in subsection (i) of Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 31-

53(a), shall be at a rate equal to the rate customary or prevailing for the same work in the same trade or occupation in the town in which such public works project is being constructed. Any Contractor who is not obligated by agreement to make payment or contribution on behalf of such persons to any such employee welfare fund shall pay to each mechanic, laborer or worker as part of such person's wages the amount of payment or contribution for such person's classification on each pay day

Required References Contractor shall provide references from separate organizations as required in the Questionnaire tab.

RFP Solicitation Standard Terms and Conditions

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The following Standard Terms and Conditions govern the Request for Proposals (RFP) solicitation issued by the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Incorporated by reference into these

Standard Terms and Conditions are applicable provisions of the Connecticut General Statutes, including but not limited to, those in Title 4a, Chapter 58 or Title 4d, Chapter 61 and applicable provisions of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, including but not limited to, those that begin with and follow Section 4a-52-1 or 4d-3-1.

Respondents shall comply with the statutes and regulations as they exist on the date of their RFP response and as they may be modified from time to time during the term of the Contract, as it may be amended.

Submission of RFP Responses:

1. All solicitation documents must be submitted on-line through CTsource and will be accepted as your official RFP response submission by DAS. If DAS receives additional submissions of your

RFP responses in any other method, DAS will reject those submittals.

2. Solicitation of responses must be submitted on-line using the forms specified by DAS and must be submitted no later than the date and time specified in the solicitation. Paper Bids, telephone, email or facsimile responses will not be accepted in response to a solicitation. Respondents are cautioned that there may be additional documents, attachments or requirements posted on

CTsource at any time. All documents must be reviewed and required information provided. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your RFP response.

3. The time and date that responses are due is specified in each RFP. A respondent will not be allowed to post or resubmit a RFP after the date and time specified in each RFP. Responses received after the specified due date and time given in each RFP solicitation will not be considered.

4. Incomplete RFP forms may result in the rejection of the RFP response. Amendments to RFP responses received by DAS after the due date and time specified shall not be considered. All RFP responses shall be signed by a person duly authorized to sign RFPs on behalf of the respondent.

Unsigned RFP responses may be rejected.

5. Conditional RFP responses are subject to rejection in whole or in part. A conditional RFP response is defined as one limiting or modifying any of the terms and conditions and/or specifications of the RFP solicitation.

6. Alternate RFP responses will not be considered unless the RFP specifically requests alternate

RFP responses. An alternate RFP response is one which is submitted in addition to and is not dependent upon the respondent’s primary response to the RFP solicitation.

7. In the event of a discrepancy between the unit price and the extension, the unit price shall govern. Prices should be extended in decimal form, not fractions, to be net, and shall include transportation and delivery charges fully prepaid by the Contractor to the destination specified in the RFP solicitation, and subject only to cash discount.

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8. Pursuant to Section 12-412 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State of Connecticut is exempt from the payment of excise, transportation and sales taxes imposed by the Federal

Government and/or the State. Such taxes must not be included in bid prices.

9. All RFP responses are subject to public inspection after the execution of the Contract.

10. Reserved

Guaranty or Surety:

11. Proposal and or performance bonds may be required. Bonds must meet the following requirements: Corporation - must be signed by an official of the corporation above their official title and the corporate seal must be affixed over the signature; Firm or Partnership - must be signed by all the partners and indicate they are “doing business as”; Individual - must be signed by the owner and indicated as “Owner”. The surety company executing the bond or countersigning must be licensed in Connecticut and the bond must be signed by an official of the surety company with the corporate seal affixed over their signature. Signatures of two witnesses for both the principal and the surety must appear on the bond. Power of attorney for the official signing the bond for the surety company must be submitted with the bond.

Samples:

12. The quality of accepted samples does not supersede the specifications for quality in the RFP solicitation unless the sample is superior in quality. All deliveries shall have at least the same quality as the accepted sample.

Samples are furnished free of charge. Respondents must indicate if their return is desired, which

DAS shall do or cause to be provided that they are returned at respondent’s sole cost and expense, FOB respondent’s destination, and that they have not been made useless by testing. If they are made useless by testing, the State may dispose of the samples as it deems to be appropriate.

Samples may be held for comparison with deliveries.

Award:

13. A contract will be awarded to the Respondent or Respondents whose response DAS deems to be the most advantageous to the State, in accordance with the criteria set forth in the RFP solicitation, always taking into account the quality of the deliverables to be supplied, their conformance with specifications, delivery terms, price, administrative costs, past performance, and financial responsibility.

DAS may reject any respondent in default of any prior contract or guilty of misrepresentation or any respondent with a member of its firm in default or guilty of misrepresentation.

DAS may correct inaccurate awards resulting from clerical or administrative errors.

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Respondents have 10 days after notice of award of the Contract to refuse acceptance. After 10 days the Contract will be binding on the Contractor. If the Contractor rejects the award within the 10 day period, DAS will award the Contract to the next most advantageous respondent.

Contract:

14. Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that this RFP solicitation of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part include a notice of the consulting agreement representation requirements described in Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Accordingly, contractors are notified as follows:

14. (a) No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a contract for the purchase of goods or services, which contract has a total value to the State of fifty thousand dollars or more in any calendar or fiscal year, unless the contract includes representations described in subsection (b) of

4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes as follows:

14. (b) 1. Each contract shall include a representation whether any consulting agreement has been entered into in connection with any such contract. Such representation shall be required if any duties of the consultant included communications concerning business of a state or quasi-public agency, whether or not direct contact with a state agency, State or public official or State employee was expected or made.

"Consulting agreement" means any written or oral agreement to retain the services, for a fee, of a consultant for the purposes of (A) providing counsel to a contractor, vendor, consultant or other entity seeking to conduct, or conducting, business with the State, (B) contracting, whether in writing or orally, any executive, judicial, or administrative office of the State, including any department, institution, bureau, board, commission, authority, official or employee for the purpose of solicitation, dispute resolution, introduction or requests for information or (C) any other similar activity related to such contracts.

“Consulting agreement” does not include any agreements entered into with a consultant who is registered under the provisions of Chapter 10 of the Connecticut General Statutes concerning the

State’s Codes of Ethics, as of the date such contract is executed.

14. (b) 2. Such representation shall be sworn as true to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing the contract and shall be subject to the penalties of false statement.

14. (b) 3. Such representation shall include the following information for each consulting agreement listed: the name of the consultant, the consultant's firm, the basic terms of the consulting agreement, a brief description of the services provided, and an indication as to whether the consultant is a former state employee or public official. If the consultant is a former State employee or public official, such representation shall indicate his or her former agency and the date such employment terminated.

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14. (c) If a contractor refuses to agree to the representations required under subsections (a) and

(b) of Section 4a-81 of the Connecticut General Statutes, then the state agency shall not award the contract to such contractor and shall award the contract to the next highest ranked contractor or seek new RFP responses.

15. Section 4-252 (the “Statute”) of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the RFP solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation requirements described in the Statute. Accordingly, pursuant to the

Statute, contractors are notified as follows:

15. (a) The terms “gift,” “quasi-public agency,” “state agency,” “large state contract,” “principals and key personnel” and “participated substantially” as used in this section shall have the meanings set forth in Section 4-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

15. (b) No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a large state contract unless such contract contains the representation described in Section 4-252(c) of the Connecticut General

Statutes as follows:

15. (c) Any principal or key personnel of the person, firm or corporation submitting a bid or proposal for a large State contract shall represent:

15. (d) That no gifts were made by (A) such person, firm, corporation, (B) any principals and key personnel of the person, firm or corporation, who participates substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiated State contracts, or (C) any agent of such person, firm, corporation or principals and key personnel, who participate substantially in preparing bids, proposals or negotiating state contracts, to (i) any public official or State employee of the state agency or quasi-public agency soliciting bids or proposals for state contracts, who participates substantially in the preparation of bid solicitations or requests for proposals for State contracts or the negotiation or award of State contracts, or (ii) any public official or State employee of any other state agency, who has supervisory or appointing authority over such state agency or quasi-public agency; That no such principals and key personnel of the person, firm or corporation, or agent of such person, firm or corporation or principals and key personnel, knows of any action by the person, firm or corporation to circumvent such prohibition on gifts by providing for any other principals and key personnel, official, employee or agent of the person, firm or corporation to provide a gift to any such public official or state employee; and (iii) that the person, firm or corporation is submitting bids or proposals without fraud or collusion with any person.

15. (e) Any respondent that does not agree to the representations required under Section 4-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes shall be rejected and the state agency or quasi-public agency shall award the contract to the next highest ranked proposer or seek new RFP responses.

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16. Section 4-252a of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the RFP solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation requirements described therein. Accordingly, pursuant to the Section 4-252a of the Connecticut

General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

16. (a): The terms “quasi-public agency,” and “state agency,” have the same meanings as provided in Section 1-79 of the Connecticut General Statutes, “large state contract,” as used in this section shall have the meanings set forth in Section 4-250 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

16. (b): No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a large state contract unless such contract contains a certification as follows:

Contractor has not made a direct investment of twenty million dollars or more in the energy sector of Iran on or after October 1, 2013, as described in Section 202 of the Comprehensive Iran

Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010, and has not increased or renewed such investment on or after said date.

17. The existence of the Contract shall be determined in accordance with the requirements set forth above. However, the award of the Contract is not an order to ship. Contractors may not begin to perform under the awarded Contract until the Contractor and the State have executed the Contract and thereafter the Contractor receives a written purchase order from an appropriate State entity.

18. Section 9-612 of the Connecticut General Statutes requires that the RFP solicitation, of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part, include a notice of the contractor representation and certification requirements described therein. Accordingly, pursuant to the Section 9-612 the

Connecticut General Statutes, contractors are notified as follows:

a. The State Elections Enforcement Commission’s notice advising prospective state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions is located at the Internet link https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms.

b. No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a state contract unless such contract contains a representation that the chief executive officer or authorized signatory of the contract has received the State Elections Enforcement Commission's notice advising prospective state contractors of state campaign contribution and solicitation prohibitions.

c. No state agency or quasi-public agency shall execute a state contract unless such contract contains a certification that:

https://portal.ct.gov/OPM/Fin-PSA/Forms/Ethics-Forms

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i. Any principal of the state contractor or prospective state contractor submitting a bid or proposal for a state contract shall certify that neither the contractor or prospective state contractor, nor any of its principals, have made any contributions to, or solicited any contributions on behalf of, any party committee, exploratory committee, candidate for state-wide office or for the General Assembly, or political committee authorized to make contributions to or expenditures to or for the benefit of such candidates, in the previous four years, that were determined by the State Elections Enforcement

Commission to be in violation of subparagraph (A) or (B) of subdivision (2) of subsection (f) of section 9-612 of the Connecticut General Statutes, without mitigating circumstances having been found to exist concerning such violation. Each such certification shall be sworn as true to the best knowledge and belief of the person signing the certification, subject to the penalties of false statement. If there is any change in the information contained in the most recently filed certification, such person shall submit an updated certification not later than thirty days after the effective date of any such change or upon the submittal of any new bid or proposal for a state contract, whichever is earlier.

ii. Any principal of the state contractor or prospective state contractor submitting a bid or proposal for a state contract shall disclose on the certification all contributions made by any of its principals to any party committee, exploratory committee, candidate for state-wide office or for the General

Assembly, or political committee authorized to make contributions to or expenditures to or for the benefit of such candidates for a period of four years prior to the signing of the contract or date of the response to the bid, whichever is longer, and certify that all such contributions have been disclosed.

19. Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a of the Connecticut General Statutes require that this RFP solicitation of which these Standard Terms and Conditions are a part include a nondiscrimination affirmation certifying that the contractor understands the obligation of Sections 4a-60 and 4a-60a of the Connecticut General Statutes that require contractor to maintain a policy for the duration of the contract to assure that the contract will be performed in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of subsection (c) of 4a-60 and subsection (b) of 4a-60a. The authorized signatory of the contract shall demonstrate his or her understanding of these obligations by either (A) initialing the nondiscrimination affirmation provision in the body of the contract, or (B) providing an affirmative response in the required online response to a bid or proposal question which asks if the contractor understands its obligations.

20. Stability of Proposed Prices

Any price offerings from proposers must be valid for a period of 60 days from the due date of the proposals.

21. Amendment or Cancellation of the RFP

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DAS reserves the right to cancel, amend, modify or otherwise change this RFP at any time if it deems it to be in the best interest of the State to do so.

22. Proposal Modifications

No additions or changes to any proposal will be allowed after the proposal due date, unless such modification is specifically requested by DAS. DAS, at its option, may seek proposer retraction and/or clarification of any discrepancy or contradiction found during its review of proposals.

23. Proposer Presentation of Supporting Evidence

Proposers must be prepared to provide any evidence of experience, performance, ability, and/or financial surety that DAS deems to be necessary or appropriate to fully establish the performance capabilities represented in their proposals.

24. Proposer Demonstration of Proposed Services and or Products

At the discretion of DAS, proposers must be able to confirm their ability to provide all proposed services. Any required confirmation must be provided at a site approved by DAS and without cost to the State.

25. Erroneous Awards

DAS reserves the right to correct inaccurate awards.

26. Proposal Expenses

Proposers are responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in the preparation of proposals and for any subsequent work on the proposal that is required by DAS.

27. Ownership of Proposals

All proposals shall become the sole property of the State and will not be returned.

28. Ownership of Subsequent Products

Any product, whether acceptable or unacceptable, developed under a contract awarded as a result of this RFP shall be the sole property of the State unless otherwise stated in the contract.

29. Oral Agreement or Arrangements

Any alleged oral agreements or arrangements made by proposers with any State agency or employee will be disregarded in any State proposal evaluation or associated award.

30. All prospective bidders, proposers or contractors have the right to contest the solicitation or an award determination in accordance with sections 4e-36, 4e-39 and 4e-40 of Connecticut General

Statutes.

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The above-named respondent fully acknowledges and agrees with the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation and related contract. If the above-named respondent is awarded a contract, then upon DAS’ posting of the award in CTSource (Award Date), the RFP solicitation response is accepted and the above-named respondent and DAS shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions of the contract.

I Agree,I Disagree

SOLICITATION SELECTION CRITERIA

Solicitation Award Methodology DAS may award by individual item, group of items, or the entirety of all items. DAS may also reject any and all solicitation responses in whole or in part, and waive minor irregularities and omissions if, in the judgment of DAS, the best interest of the State will be served.

Evaluation Criteria

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A selection committee will review and score all responses. The following information, in addition to the requirements, terms and conditions identified throughout this Solicitation, will be considered as part of the selection process and are listed in order of relative importance.

Firm Qualifications and Experience

1.Relevance of prior projects

2.Demonstrated success and outcomes of prior projects

3.Experience with projects of similar scope and complexity

4.Organizational stability and capacity

Subject Matter Expertise and Technical Capabilities

1.Depth of technical and analytical expertise

2.Understanding of energy, regulatory, telecommunications, and polic issues

3.Use of applicable methodologies, tools, models, or analytical frameworks

4.Quality and relevance of representative project examples

Key Personnel and Staffing Plan

1.Relevance education, certifications, and professional experience

2.Appropriateness of staffing structure and labor mix

3.Specialized expertise of proposed personnel

4.Ability to support mulitple and time-sensitive assignments

5.Overal strength and depth of the proposed team

Project Managment and Responsiveness

1.Project management approach

2.Quality assurance and quality control procedures

3.Communication and coordination processes

4.Ability to respond promptly to urgent assignments

5.Capaicty to manage concurrent assignments

Regulatory and Stakeholder Experience

1.Experience with PURA, FERC, ISO-NE, Connecticut Siting Council, or similar proceedings

2.Ability to support technical analyses, testimony, and policy developent

3.Experience facilitating stakeholder engagment and/or public processes

4.Undersatnding of Connecticut and regional regulatory environments

Cost Proposal

1.Alignment with the labor categories and pricing structure in Exhibit B, Price Schedule

2.Reasonableness of proposed hourly rates

3.Consistency of proposed labor classifications

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4.Completeness and clarity of pricing submissions

Value-Added Services and Innovation

1.Innovative analytical tools or methodologies

2.Specialized expertise or emerging capabilities

3.Cross-disciplinary approaches

4.Additional resources or efficiencies beneficial to the State

Sample Contract Package Review and Response

1.Redline proposed edits and/or exceptions to the sample Contract Package using Microsoft Word Track

Changes.

Contract Package Review and Response Instructions:

Proposer shall review the sample contract package attached to this RFP ("Contract Package”). Proposer's review and response to the terms in the Contract Package will become part of the Proposer's solicitation response. If Proposer agrees with the Contract Package as written, Proposal shall indicate so in its response below. If Proposer does not agree with the Contract Package as written, Proposer shall edit the

Contract Package using Microsoft Word Track Changes and upload the edited version as part of Proposer’s solicitation response. Each edit must be accompanied by a comment explaining why the Proposer is requesting the edit. Proposer’s solicitation response received without a fully completed Contract Package review as instructed above may be rejected by the selection committee as non-responsive. The quantity, breadth, and nature of modifications proposed by Proposer may be considered in the State’s evaluation of

Proposer’s solicitation response and of its risks, costs, and benefits to the State. Proposing excessive or overly restrictive modifications or proposing modifications upon which Proposer’s solicitation response is conditioned may result in Proposer’s solicitation response being deemed non-responsive.

Proposer AGREES with Contract Package as written with no proposed edits.

Agrees,Does Not Agree

If Proposer DOES NOT AGREE with Contract Package as written:

Proposer must upload the edited Contract Package as part of Proposer's solicitation response, including all proposed edits using Microsoft Track Changes as instructed above.

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Questionnaire:

26PSX0074A

Reference 1 Description: Provide a reference from an organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 1 organization name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

b. Reference 1 individual's name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 1 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 1 individual's telephone number:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

e. Reference 1 individual's email address:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Reference 2 Description: Provide a second reference from a different organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 2 organization name:

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

b. Reference 2 individual's name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 2 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 2 individual's telephone number:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

e. Reference 2 individual's email address:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Reference 3 Description: Provide a third reference from a different organization, other than a State of Connecticut agency whenever possible, that can discuss your company’s, or your company’s principals’: 1) fulfillment of past contract obligations; and 2) experience in delivering supplies, materials, equipment or services similar in nature to those being solicited in this solicitation.

Responses not provided in full or containing "N/A" or any indications of not applicable or "to be submitted" will be considered incomplete and will result in a bid/proposal disqualification.

Respondents are required to complete the following fields:

a. Reference 3 organization name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

b. Reference 3 individual's name:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

c. Reference 3 individual's title:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

d. Reference 3 individual's telephone number:

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

e. Reference 3 individual's email address:

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Firm Qualifications and Experience Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Describe your firm's experience providing consulting services similar to those described in Exhibit A.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your firm's organizational structure, years in business, and capacity to provide the requested services throughout the Contract term.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Provide three (3) to five (5) representative projects completed within the last five (5) years that demonstrate experience relevant the Scope of Services. For each project, include: Client name, project dates, contract value, scope of service provided, deliverables produced, outcomes and results achieved, relevance to this solicitation, and proposer's role and responsibilities.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe the factors that demonstrated your firm's ability to successfully perform projects of similar scope, complexity, and size.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Subject Matter Expertise and Technical Capabilities Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

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Identify the specific Scope of Services categories from Exhibit A for which your firm is proposing.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your firm's technical, analytical, and subject matter expertise applicable to each proposed service category.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your understanding of the energy, telecommunications, broadband, regulatory, market, and policy issues relevant to the proposed service categories.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe methodologies, analytical approaches, tools, models, software, databases, or frameworks utilized by your firm.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your approach to ensuring technical accuracy, quality, and defensibility of analyses, recommendations, reports, and other work products.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Key Personnel and Staffing Plan Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Identify all key personnel proposed to perform work under this Contract.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

For each proposed individual, provide a summary of: role and responsibilities, education, professional certifications, relevant experience and specialized expertise.

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your proposed staffing structure and labor mix.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your firm's ability to support multiple concurrent assignments and time-sensitive engagements.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your approach to maintaining continuity of staff and knowledge transfer throughout the Contract term.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Project Management and Responsiveness Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Describe your project management methodology for managing on-call consulting assignments.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your procedures for: project planning and scheduling, managing multiple concurrent assignments, quality assurance and qualify control, internal review and approval processes, client communications and reporting.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your firm's process for responding to expedited, urgent, or high-priority assignments.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Provide an example of a rapid-response engagement completed under compressed timelines and describe the outcome achieved.

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Type TEXT Is Required Y

Regulatory and Stakeholder Experience Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Describe your firm's experience supporting: Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) proceedings, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proceedings, ISO New England (ISO-NE) stakeholder processes, Connecticut Siting Council proceedings, and comparable state, regional, or federal regulatory proceedings.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your experience providing: technical analyses, expert reports, testimony support, policy analysis and development, and regulatory strategy support.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your experience facilitating stakeholder engagement, public outreach, advisory groups, workshops, or similar public processes.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe your understanding of Connecticut's energy, telecommunications, broadband, and regional regulatory environment.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Cost Proposal Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Complete Exhibit B in its entirety.

Type YES/NO

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Is Required Y

Identify any additional labor categories no included in Exhibit B and explain why they are necessary.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe any assumptions used in developing the proposed pricing.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Value-Added Services and Innovation Description: Please provide the requested information/documents. Documents may be uploaded to the Attachments tab. Please be sure to label with the corresponding Question.

Describe any innovative analytical tools, methodologies, technologies, or approaches that would provide added value to the State.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe any specialized expertise, emerging capabilities, artificial intelligence applications, advanced analytics capabilities, or cross-disciplinary resources available to support the Scope of Services.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Describe any additional resources, efficiencies, or capabilities that distinguish your firm from other proposers.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Company Information Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Detail full name and title of the individual legally authorized to sign solicitations on behalf of the company.

Type TEXT

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Is your company a micro-business or a Veteran's owned micro-business? Upon identifying your company as micro-business or veteran owned micro-business, pertinent documents must be returned with this solicitation as described in the “Requirements” tab;

“Solicitation Selection Criteria”; “Micro-business Preference”.

Contractors that do not include the required documentation with their bid submission will not be considered for this preference.

Type DROP DOWN Is Required Y

If you are a state employee, what is your position, agency, agency address. If you are not a State Employee, enter N/A

Type TEXT Is Required Y

List any relevant certifications, licenses, registrations etc. that qualifies your company to meet the requirements of this solicitation, if applicable. If not applicable type in N/A.

Type TEXT Is Required Y

Contractor Debarment and/or Suspension Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Is the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, currently debarred, disqualified or suspended from proposing or contracting with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any other governmental entity?

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Does the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, have a debarment, disqualification or suspension proceeding pending with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any other governmental entity?

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Has the Contractor, any company official or any subcontractor to the Contractor received notices of debarment and/or suspension from contracting with the State of Connecticut, the Federal Government or any governmental entity. If yes, said notices must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Disclosure Statement of Criminal Convictions and/or Disciplinary Action Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

Is the Contractor, any company official, or any subcontractor to the Contractor, subject to any criminal convictions, guilty pleas or nolo contenderes against your company and any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members and LLC managers. Any criminal convictions must be disclosed in an attachment when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Has your company or any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members or LLC managers been subject to administrative actions either pending review by the state or determinations that the state has made against your company or any of your company’s officers, principal shareholders, directors, partners, LLC members or LLC managers? This would include court judgements, actions, suits, claims, demands, investigations and legal, administrative or arbitration proceedings pending in any forum. Include a listing of any actions or orders pending or resolved with any state agency such as the Department of Consumer Protection, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, etc. Such information should be for the last three (3) years. The listing must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

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OSHA

Description: Please provide responses to the following questions.

In accordance with C.G.S. § 31-57b, the contractor certifies that all of the statements herein contained below have been examined and are true and correct to the best of their knowledge and belief. Has your company been cited for three (3) or more willful or serious violations of any Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act or of any standard, order or regulation promulgated pursuant to such act, during the three year period preceding the solicitation, provided such violations were cited in accordance with the provisions of any State Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and not abated within the time fixed by the citation and such citation has not been set aside following appeal to the appropriate agency of court having jurisdiction.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Has your company received one or more criminal convictions related to the injury or death of any employee in the three-year period preceding this solicitation? A list of violations must be attached when submitting this solicitation response.

Type YES/NO Is Required Y

Consulting Agreements Representation Description: SPECIAL INSTRUCTION: If the response to the question below is YES, no further action is required. If the response to the question below is NO and you are awarded the contract, the Consulting Agreements Representation section of the contract must be completed.

Pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4a-81, does the person signing the contract resulting from this solicitation represent to their best knowledge and belief and subject to the penalty of false statement…